Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading 
Hebrews 3:12–19

Take care, brothers and sisters, that none of you may have an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partners of Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end. As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” Now who were they who heard and yet were rebellious? Was it not all those who left Egypt under the leadership of Moses? But with whom was he angry forty years? Was it not those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, if not to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief. (NRSV)

Reflection

The book of Hebrews was written as a spiritual guide for the new Christian church. While the overall theme of this book is that Jesus Christ is the sole source of God’s grace for Christians, this passage in particular deals with unbelief. The writer refers to a passage from the Psalms with which his presumably largely Jewish audience would be familiar. Using the experience of the Israelites who escaped Egypt only to fall into idolatry while awaiting God’s deliverance, the writer exhorts us to guard against such unbelief by encouraging each other in faith.

The importance of the community of believers is something that comes up again and again throughout this book. Clearly God means for us to support each other. Our faith is not just an individual activity but a group one. Thus we agree to support and encourage new members to the church and to do the same with infants who are baptized. We write and distribute these daily devotions to share the Word and support each other’s faith.

We may sometimes take this community for granted. But we all no doubt felt the loss of that community when we could not gather together during the pandemic. What a great relief to be able to gather again in worship. I sometimes look around during services and think, “Wow, we are all here because we believe.” What a terrific feeling that is. We may be in different places on our journey, but we are united in our faith. We are not on this journey alone. Especially during this Lenten season, as we approach the renewing celebration of Easter, let us encourage each other.

Prayer

Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief through the community of believers you have provided for me. Thank you for the gift of other believers to help my faith, and help me to be an encouragement to others. Amen.

Written by Juli Crabtree, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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